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Organic pine nuts are edible kernels extracted from pine cones that grow on specific pine tree species. The quantity of kernels produced by a cone will depend greatly on the altitude at which the tree grows because little or too much humidity will force the tree to abort the pine cone growth and hence the seeds growth. An ideal altitude seems to range between 2000m to 2500m although in certain climates, the pine trees can produce cones at much lower altitudes. The pine seeds or nuts are contained within a hard shell present underneath the pine cone scales. Pine nuts are very difficult to extract and require a full process that can last up to 18 months. The cone needs to reach maturity to be harvested of course, then dried until it fully opens to gather the seeds and the seeds need to be extracted from their own hard shell. This explains why pine nuts can be expensive but also given the fact that they have a short shell life and can become rancid pretty quickly unless they are stored in a dry place.

Health benefits of pine nuts

Pine nuts are not considered nuts but seeds and can sometimes be found under the name of pignon or pignalias. People have been eating pine nuts for centuries and they were once considered as an aphrodisiac in Ancient Greek civilization where they were preserved in honey. They are now included in culinary dishes including salad toppings, sauces, meat but they are also delicious as is. Their health properties lie in their high content of protein which is ideal for people who do not eat meat. They are very rich in good fats including mono-unsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and linoleic acid (omega 6). Linoleic acid forms part of our cell membranes and should be included in regular diet especially if combined with Omega 3. They also contain Vitamin A, B (1, 3, 5, 6), Vitamin E, fiber, zinc, magnesium, potassium, iron and manganese. They are said to contribute to lowering the bad cholesterol, preventing cardio-vascular disease (thanks to the good fats), reducing the appetite and helping with weight loss. Also, they can contribute to skin and hair health because of the natural occurring fats.

Organic pine nuts should be favored because the pine trees grow on organic crops. Also, some pine nuts can have a bitter flavor which should not happen with organic pine nuts. However, just like for any other organic products, you should always check the origin of the product to ensure that it is truly organic.

Safflower is a plant belonging to the sun flower family with yellow, red or orange flowers. The plant is 30 cm to 150 cm of height and can resist both very dry climates or intense colds. Traditionally used to produce dyes, the safflower plant produces seeds used to make oil.

Animal fats and vegetable fats

There is a distinction between animal fats and vegetable fats. Animal fats are rich in saturated fats and are therefore to be eaten in moderation. They are often the cause of increase in weight, bad cholesterol and cardio-vascular diseases. As for vegetable fats, they can result in the same complications if they are chemically treated and heated because they also contain saturated fats. On the other hand, an oil that is virgin, cold-pressed and from vegetable origin is rich in polyunsaturated and mono-unsaturated fats and will not induce the same problems since those fats are actually indispensable for proper function, nourishment and protection of the human body. A cold-pressed oil extraction is done without pre-heating of the source it is extracted from (seeds, grains, fruits).

Health benefits of organic safflower oil

There are many sources of good fats but cold-pressed organic safflower oil is extremely interesting for its therapeutic use because of its chemical composition; it is indeed very rich in polyunsaturated and mono-unsaturated fats and particularly in Omega 6 and Vitamin E. Among all the vegetable oils, safflower oil is the richest in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that should be included in human diet on a daily basis for good health since it is one main constituent of human cell membranes and it is valuable to strengthen the immune system. A lack of linoleic acid can result in skin disorders such as dermatitis, inflammation, acne, dry skin, dry hair and even hair loss.

Safflower oil can be used internally as part of the diet and is particularly recommended for weight loss. It is also recommended to people suffering from type 2 diabetes not only to lose weight but also to reduce blood sugar and safflower is being studied to produce insulin. It can help as well to regularize menstrual cycles and has natural anti-inflammatory properties. However, because safflower oil is very rich in linoleic acid but contains less mono-unsaturated fats, it should be taken in alternation with other oils or food sources rich in mono-unsaturated fats to benefit from a balanced diet and give the body all the nutrients needed.

Topically, safflower oil used in massages can help reduce muscular tensions and muscular pains, rheumatism conditions and intestinal disorders. As mentioned above, it is also an excellent oil against skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, inflammation, acne, dry skin and even dry hair. It can be added in the bath to really penetrate the skin and the hair and leave it soft and nourished. Safflower oil is odorless and can be mixed with few drops of favorite organic essential oils to make a relaxing and therapeutic bath.

Maitake is a Japanese mushroom also known as the “Dancing mushroom” belonging to the Meripilaceae family and the G. frondosa species. The maitake mushroom grows in Japan and in North-America and has been praised for its healing properties, restoring unbalanced body systems. Maitake mushrooms are recognizable as they look like a cluster made of of multiple grayish-brown caps that are curled or spoon-shaped. It can be as big as 60 cm large and it grows at the same place for few years in a row. The maitake mushroom can weigh up to 20 kg and is dubbed as the King of the Mushrooms in Japan where it widely used for cooking purposes just like the Shiitake mushroom.

Maitake mushroom health properties

Besides being used for culinary purposes, the maitake mushroom also have amazing health properties and can be found in various forms: fresh mushroom, dry mushroom, powder, capsules, liquid or tea. In Asia, it has traditionally been used for its ability to boost the immune system thanks to its active constituent, Beta-glucan and is a good supplement/food to intake before the winter to fight colds and flu. It is also known to lower blood pressure, to lower bad cholesterol levels as well as to lower sugar levels in diabetic patients thanks to its hypoglycemic properties (naturally occurring alpha glucosidase inhibitor). It can also help manage weight loss. Maitake is rich in minerals, vitamins (B especially), fibers, amino-acids (proteins) and antioxidants and can help release inflammations.

Many studies have been conducted on the maitake mushroom and in 2009, a human trial was performed at the Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center in New-York on breast cancer patients demonstrating that the maitake mushroom could stimulate the production of immune system cells. Other studies were performed to research on prostate cancer, bladder cancer and various types of cancer cells and revealed that a portion of the mushroom called D-fraction was responsible for the anti-cancer activity. Further studies are being performed on the maitake mushroom that could become a life saver in the future.

How to take maitake?

First of all, depending where you live, it might be hard to find fresh maitake since it does not grow everywhere. However, dry maitake is commonly found in natural health stores or online and organic maitake is recommended to ensure it has grown on untreated soils. Dry organic maitake mushrooms can be soaked in warm water until it becomes soft (1 hour usually). It can then be cooked with other organic products such as olive oil and added in meat, pasta, organic quinoa or with other vegetables. The taste is quite pleasant although it is very different from the mushrooms we are typically used to eat; however, knowing what good it does to us, the taste can easily be put aside. You can also find maitake in the form of liquid in maitake ampules. You can use these ampules to do a cure of 21 days during the fall and during the spring, basically at the times when the immune system is at its lowest and needs a boost. You can also use 2 to 4 grams of maitake mushrooms to make a maitake tea. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 to 4 hours, pass it and drink a cup in the morning and the evening. You can also easily find maitake supplements to take with a glass of water, but be always careful with the origin of the product to ensure it has not been mixed with other powders, as the effects will be lowered.

What is brain wave therapy?

Have you ever heard of brain wave therapy? Brain wave therapy consists of brain waves frequency available in audio tracks that have healing properties and can help induce sleep, weight loss, relax, meditate, have more creativity, expand your relationships, quit smoking and much more. Brain wave therapy helps you modify patterns in order to bring positive change in your life, regardless of the area concerned. It re balances the brain, thus enhances your ability to think, learn and create, concentrate, fight stress, fear and even addictions and get rid of everything that was preventing you from living at your full potential.

How does brain wave therapy work?

Brain wave therapy comes in the form of audio programs that contain pure and precise tuned sound frequencies that drive the brain activity into high level states of mind. Brain waves include alpha waves that stimulate creativity and deep relaxation, beta waves that help focus and concentrate, theta waves that are used for deep meditation, insight and memory, delta waves that induce deep sleep and healing and gamma waves that increase cognition and improve IQ.

Brain wave therapy was first brought forth by biophysicist Gerald Oster in 1973 at the Mont Sinai Hospital in New-York who discovered that when sound frequencies are delivered to the brain separately through each ear via stereo headphones, a third beating sound is perceived by the brain, as if the two tones mixed naturally. This signal is called a binaural beat, and for this third signal to be heard, the frequency difference between the two original sounds must be minimal (typically below 30 Hz). The perception of the sound that arises in the brain has a huge, yet subtle influence on the brain, creates a stimuli called frequency following response that activates different parts of the brain and has specific therapeutic properties. The binaural beat corresponds to different beat frequencies under 30 Hz such as alpha, beta, delta, theta, and gamma brain waves that lead to asymmetric hemispheric balancing or balancing of the brain. Depending on the beat frequency used, the stimuli produces an effect that can range from relaxation, focus, alertness, memory, concentration, sleep and more. Brain wave therapy has raised the interest of neurologists for its therapeutic properties and is used in hospitals or by physicians and therapists all over the world to help patients.

In the 80’s, a legendary woman, Kelly Howell, who was victim of a car accident started developing meditation tapes with positive reinforcing messages in order to overcome her accident. Surprised by the fast results she encountered, she developed self-help audio programs with the collaboration of biofeedback therapists and neuroscientists in San Francisco that led to the creation of Brain Sync, a complete series of brain wave therapy audio programs to be used both by medical professionals and people at home to treat various conditions.

Brain Sync audio programs are available in so many forms ranging from Brain Power (to boost your creativity or memory), Brain Health (to overcome issues such as depression, quit smoking, insomnia), Health and Fitness (to loose weight or help your body self-heal if you are sick), Stress Management (to help you relax and channel your energies), Prosperity and Success (to think positive and stop self-sabotaging your success) and Personal Growth (to help you with your meditation routine).The programs are downloadable and can be used in the car, in mp3 players, before you sleep, during meditation, at work, when you have a headache, in a spa to help clients relax and much more.

The Brain Sync audio programs may sound weird at first because they are basically wave frequencies combined with subliminal messages in order to help you achieve your goal depending on what you are looking to treat or overcome but once you have tried it, you will quickly notice the changes. You have to try the brain sync audio programs in an open state of mind (no judgment) and be persistent (do it for a few days at first and then on a regular basis). The programs are short (30 minutes to an hour) and can be done everywhere, anytime. You can listen to some sample audio programs such as the Increase Creativity program.

For people conscious of their health, shaving creams or shaving gels can seem a bit hazardous considering the ingredients they contain and if you prefer using a natural shaving oil alternative, we have a great organic shaving oil substitute for you, may it be for men or women.

In men, shaving is the most obvious cause of skin inflammation on the face because it needs to be performed almost every day. Some women also prefer regular shaving for legs, armpits and private areas instead of waxing which also dry and inflame their skin. The purpose of a shaving product is to moist and soften the hair and create a film that will reduce the effects of the razor and protect the skin. A natural shaving oil will perform this function just fine and here is what you could use to produce your own shaving oil:

Apply on the shaving area and use the razor as you usually would do with a regular shaving cream. Once done, remove the excess of oil using a soap for sensitive skin and it’s done! This shaving oil will bring the same expected results and will leave the skin smoothe.

You can make your shaving oil on a daily basis or increase the quantities above to make an oil that will last a bit longer. However, home-made cosmetics do not resist shelf-life so long because they do not contain preservatives so you should make sure not to keep this oil too long. Also, because it contains essential oils, the oil should be tested on a small skin section before application to make sure that no allergic reaction occurs.

About the ingredients:

Safflower oil:Safflower oil is produced from the safflower seeds, a plant from the sunflower family with red, orange or yellow flower heads. The plant measure from 30 cm to 150 cm and can grow in dry climates but is not very resistant to intense colds. Safflower is typically used to produce dyes, and the seeds to produce oil. The safflower is also being tested to produce insulin.

The safflower oil is colorless and odorless is used in cooking for salad dressing (you should ensure the oil is cold-pressed) and in cosmetics. Safflower oil is rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, omega 6 and vitamin E. The safflower oil contributes to weight loss and is recommended to people suffering from type 2 diabetes to lose weight but also to reduce blood sugar. It also helps to regularize menstrual cycles. It is also recommended for dry hair or hair loss, for dry skin, skin inflammation and acne-prone skins.

Copaiba essential oil:Copaiba tree belongs to the Copaifera genus and grows in South America, mainly in Brazil, in the Amazon region where Indians have been using the copaiba resin for centuries due its healing properties. Copaiba essential oil helps with wounds healing, pain, inflammations, sore throats, bronchitis, urinary tract disorders, ulcers and cancer. When used on the skin, it is an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antifungal, it stops skin from bleeding, it is recommended for skin disorders, even psoriasis.

Tea tree essential oil: Tea tree essential oil is extracted from the tea tree leaves. Tea tree is native to Australia where Aborigines have been using it for its healing properties. The name originated from Captain’s Cook who drank a mix of leaves as a tea substitute. Tea tree has powerful anti-bacterial and antiseptic effects and can be used for cuts, insect bites, rashes, burns and acne.

Vetiver essential oil:Vetiver is a type of grass originating from India but is also grown in tropical regions such as Haiti. Vetiver helps to combat soil erosion because its roots grow downwards. Vetiver grows up to 1,5 meter high, has long stems and large leaves. The vetiver essential oil is extracted from the roots and has a smoky, earthy and sweet scent and is used as a sedative to fight stress, nervous conditions, to improve blood circulation and in case of acne, cuts, and as a cicatrisant. It is commonly found in cosmetics and perfumes for its scent and its fixative properties.